Cutting up pine tree

[DoubleChevron]

Hi Guys,

I've had 7 pine trees felled around the carport in my backyard. Has anyone struggled to cut these mongrel sappy soft wood evil trees up before? My little makita electric chainsaw is nothing short of brilliant and easily cuts this up. The main trunks I'm using a commercial quality husky on .... and the sappy bastard of a tree keep gripping the bar so it won't cut. I reckon the husky must have a chain that is the same width as the bar, where as the little makita electric saw has a cutting area on its chain that is much wider than the bar (so it doesn't stick). Has anyone figured a way around this (short of buying a new wider cutting chain for the saw).

To say it's frustrating the living **** out of me would be the understatement of the century!

seeya
Shane L.

[Vern]

Chains are pretty cheap, i'd buy a new one. What size bar?

[LandyAndy]

First try increasing the bar oil flow.If it doesn't help,water down the bar oil with a thin oil 50/50.You can even use a thin oil straight as the timber is soft,its the sap that is the issue.
Cant see an electric saw having a wider chain than the big saw,any chance the chain on the big saw is incorrect???? New chain should be around $50,get a full ripping chain,not one of those nancy semi chisel chains.
GOODLUCK
Andrew

[trout1105]

Try spraying the bar with some "armerall" this may help.

[LandyAndy]

Silly question,is the big saw sharp???? A blunt chain wont like sappy wood.
Andrew

[Gordie]

Sounds like a blunt chain...any chainsaw with a sharp chain will absolutely eat pine. Just got a quality carlton 20inch chain on ebay for $20, so always handy to have a spare. Also, check out the running groove on the bar, that it is obstacle free, as well as where the drive sprocket is, at the motor end.

[DoubleChevron]

Thanks Guys,

the first thing I did was run the chain through my electric chainsaw chain sharpener. It's a friends saw, so I don't want to mess with it to much (it ****ed me off no end when people borrow my stuff and bugger around with it). He used to cut firewood for a living ... this is his "smallest" saw. I think his other one is some 100cc husquvana monster ( it would be death in my hands).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/general-chat/121534d1491536726-cutting-up-pine-tree-p1190183.jpg

I think it's a semi-chisel ... Its "sticks" though, I don't think sharpness is the issue.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/general-chat/121537d1491536726-cutting-up-pine-tree-p1190180.jpg

It took me ages working the saw "in and out" to get through this far. You can see I had several attempts at the last cut. I think the go get the log 50% cut through, then hammer in a wedge above it (I'm concerned the metal wedge will fall onto the spinning chain if I'm not quick enough).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/general-chat/121535d1491536726-cutting-up-pine-tree-p1190182.jpg

this is the chain the little electric saw runs ...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/general-chat/121536d1491536726-cutting-up-pine-tree-p1190181.jpg

The electric saw isn't as fast as a petrol powered one... but it eats through this like it's nothing. The only issue I've ever had with it is it'll "chatter" through the bar if you cut 100% of the bars depth (though it does it easily).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/general-chat/121538d1491536726-cutting-up-pine-tree-p1190176.jpg

It's not chain sharpness ... it's the bar is getting wedged, it's just like when you and idiot and you cut from the wrong direction and end up with the weight of the wood your cutting wedging the bar ... requiring you to somehow "lift" whatever your cutting to unstick the blade and extract the saw.

The last tree trunk the husky ate through like it was butter (similar trunk size to the picture above).... I think this tree must be "sappier", so it's driving me bloody crazy [thumbsupbig]

seeya,
Shane L.

[Vern]

I'd just push all that **** pine into a pile and burn the lot😊

[Gordie]

Does the chain spin freely on the bar if you move it by hand (with thick gloves on).??

Or are you saying that the chain spins freely...and cuts well...., but that the bar gets pinched in the log?

If the chain spins freely by hand..and it is just a matter of the bar getting pinched I could only suggest....
1. The log has pressure on it which closes it up as it cuts(the way it is laying on ground etc)
2. Burr's on the bar which need filing down
3. A warped bar

If the chain doesn't spin freely...tip sprocket, bar groove or drive sprocket jamming with material.

[DoubleChevron]

Does the chain spin freely on the bar if you move it by hand (with thick gloves on).??

Or are you saying that the chain spins freely...and cuts well...., but that the bar gets pinched in the log?

If the chain spins freely by hand..and it is just a matter of the bar getting pinched I could only suggest....
1. The log has pressure on it which closes it up as it cuts(the way it is laying on ground etc)
2. Burr's on the bar which need filing down
3. A warped bar

If the chain doesn't spin freely...tip sprocket, bar groove or drive sprocket jamming with material.

100% bar wedges in the sappy, sticky pine. I'm sure if I went and tried to cut something nice like a big gum tree ... it'd scream it's way through it in seconds. Man I HATE filthy pine. I've already chopped up and moved 3 of the trees to big bon fires and wood piles.

You know, I'm going to try oiling the bar itself or "armour alling" the bar or similar as suggested. I bet the bar itself is now covered with sticky pine sap. so grabs doubly hard if used on pine.

Oh, my tractor is only a little toy.... there is no way it could push these big trees into a pile :)

[Gordie]

have cut tonnes of pine in the past without such issues....will be interesting to see how you go!

[LandyAndy]

The chips its spitting out are fine,means its not cutting well.
Take the chain off and see if there is a lip built up on the bar,if so you will need to dress it.
The chain appears to be gummed up,get some petrol or diesel a give it a good rinse whilst its off the saw.If the chain is gummed up the bar oil cant get rid of the gum.
Andrew

[DoubleChevron]

The chips its spitting out are fine,means its not cutting well.
Take the chain off and see if there is a lip built up on the bar,if so you will need to dress it.
The chain appears to be gummed up,get some petrol or diesel a give it a good rinse whilst its off the saw.If the chain is gummed up the bar oil cant get rid of the gum.
Andrew

Thanks, I'll take a look and see. :)

[DoubleChevron]

You guys did it again .... I just put a straight edge down the bar .... It's banana shaped. I can get 1.5mm of feeler gauges down the middle of the straight edge. I'll pull the chain tonight and verify (just incase the chain is holding one side of the straight edge up slightly).

[LandyAndy]

Getting my main saw ready for woodcutting is on this weekends list......
Got a new spare chain,plus there are 3 or 4 chains to sharpen.
I talked myself out of going and cutting a load today[smilebigeye][smilebigeye][smilebigeye][smilebigeye].
Andrew

[PLR]

Look at the angle of the cutter on the makita and compare the angle on the one that doesn`t cut .

Compare the length of the cutter , go and buy your mate a new chain .

When the bars off dress it , both runners have to be the same height on both sides as in all 4 , it`ll cut straight .

Recently a couple of limbs fell from our oak tree about 18 inch diameter little 20 inch bar cut it no problem , should go through pine like butter almost .

[BathurstTom]

Take the rakes down and sharpen the chain. It looks as blunt as.

Tom.

[Strop]

The CX would have enough grunt to pull them around Shane.

Laurie

[DoubleChevron]

Take the rakes down and sharpen the chain. It looks as blunt as.

Tom.

I have sharpened it with an electric chain sharpener (being careful not to take to much material away). I can't find my guide to take the rakers down, which is very frustrating.... There is a new chain there, I might try it just to rule the chain out... That won't straighten the bar though!

[DoubleChevron]

Thanks Guys,

I did price a bar and chain up at Jono&Johno when I whipped up to grab some more chain oil.... As soon as I said the bar is quite bent ... He told me I will probably need a new sprocket on the chainsaw, as he's found worn sprockets and blunt chains is what bends bars. The best bet is to return the saw to it's owner and keep going with the dinky little electric saw :)

They sure do sell some chainsaw gear here ( all of it Chinese ... but perfectly adequate I'm guessing for non-commercial use).

jonojohno20004 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Outdoor-Power-Equipment/29518/m.html?item=170831037997&hash=item27c652c62d%3Ag%3A7-QAAOSwo4pYQJ4c&_ssn=jonojohno20004)

seeya,
Shane L.

[DiscoMick]

I suppose you could just stack the timber for a while and let it dry out. I've done that with a fallen tree myself.

[DoubleChevron]

I suppose you could just stack the timber for a while and let it dry out. I've done that with a fallen tree myself.

Yep, that is what I'm doing .... after it's cut up :) We're going to have some good bonfires this year!

[DoubleChevron]

Well I finally got around to finishing cutting up the pine trees... I returned the husky ..... Last week I spotted some ancient saws being sold off on fleabay ... old stihls with no kickback brake ( wow they are worth big money) and a couple of old mccullock saw that the seller said run ok ..... and have working chain brakes.



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=122885&d=1493816766

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=122886&d=1493816766

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=122887&d=1493816766

So i took a punt ... and spent $70 bucks on an ancient chainsaw site unseen ( yes I know I can buy new chinese **** on ebay for close to that, but I just can't bring myself to do it). i'll be damned if it didn't fire straight up after adding petrol The oil pump works, the chain brake works. It's seems to have heaps of power for a 60cc saw. I'd say it's done about 1million hours work. The bar is so worn, I turned it upside down and crossed my fingers. The only time is ever seems to bog down I think is the chain twisting over and binding in the old bar, not the load of cutting wood.

After spending a couple of hours behind it today. I've decided it's bloody heavy ... a hell of a workout, it drinks fuel and chain oil like you woudln't believe ...... and it's a brilliant old heap of ****. I think I'll lash out and shout it a new 20" bar and chain before I fell the last 3 pine trees.

I love the lack of plastic on it.... other than the top filter cover, it's all metal.

seeya
Shane L.

[BathurstTom]

I use to have one of those when I was cutting fire wood for a living. Used it to cut the heads up - it wasn't heavy at all!! ;) Well it wasn't in comparison to my main saw - a Sachs Dolmar 166. Great saw, but so heavy! It would break my back now. The things we do when we are young. But the little Mac was a very reliable saw - always started and went well for it's size.

Tom.

[DoubleChevron]

I use to have one of those when I was cutting fire wood for a living. Used it to cut the heads up - it wasn't heavy at all!! ;) Well it wasn't in comparison to my main saw - a Sachs Dolmar 166. Great saw, but so heavy! It would break my back now. The things we do when we are young. But the little Mac was a very reliable saw - always started and went well for it's size.

Tom.

Yeah .... I don't think I could manage that one :o .....

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di99fN25h4I" target="_blank">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di99fN25h4I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di99fN25h4I)

[gromit]

Maybe a loan of this would have helped Australian V8 Chainsaw made by Whitlands Engineering www.superaxe.com.au - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5WO9nulOXc)

A few more ideas here Extreme Chainsaw Harley Davidson - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p330z9vLV3M)



Colin

[Tins]

Yep, that is what I'm doing .... after it's cut up :) We're going to have some good bonfires this year!

Just don't try burning it in a Coonara or pot belly style fire with a flue. A recipe for a chimney fire as the sap builds up. Been there, done that.

[DoubleChevron]

Wow these crappy pine trees are driving me crazy. Last friday I had the last 3 pine trees around our carport felled.... I get two cuts.... first one is like a knife through through hot butter ... 2nd cut is good, 3rd cut ... by the time I get through the bark the chain is to blunt and cutting any ruther is to much work. It make no difference if I sharpen the chain with an electric sharpener .... or by hand. I get 2.5 cuts. Amazingly I noticed tonight (as it was getting dark), the chain throws sparks as you cut through the bark

The answer is obvious, I need to stop buying cheap ****. What do I expect if I buy the cheapest chain I could find anywhere. Oh well, only about 10 more cuts to go .... so 5 sharpens [bighmmm] The little makita electric saw has only needed to be sharpened once to do all the limbing .... this damn thing cutting the trunks is driving me nuts.

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[350RRC]

Wow these crappy pine trees are driving me crazy. Last friday I had the last 3 pine trees around our carport felled.... I get two cuts.... first one is like a knife through through hot butter ... 2nd cut is good, 3rd cut ... by the time I get through the bark the chain is to blunt and cutting any ruther is to much work. It make no difference if I sharpen the chain with an electric sharpener .... or by hand. I get 2.5 cuts. Amazingly I noticed tonight (as it was getting dark), the chain throws sparks as you cut through the bark

The answer is obvious, I need to stop buying cheap ****. What do I expect if I buy the cheapest chain I could find anywhere. Oh well, only about 10 more cuts to go .... so 5 sharpens [bighmmm] The little makita electric saw has only needed to be sharpened once to do all the limbing .... this damn thing cutting the trunks is driving me nuts.

From all that it sounds like the is a fair bit of grit in the bark.

Is this possible........... strong winds, dust blowing around?

Chains are all chrome on one side, something is wrong.

DL

[DoubleChevron]

From all that it sounds like the is a fair bit of grit in the bark.

Is this possible........... strong winds, dust blowing around?

Chains are all chrome on one side, something is wrong.

DL

My brother used to cut wood for a living. Its simply knocking the edge of the teeth cutting through the bark. As soon as I mentioned sparks, he also said the bark must be full of stones and dirt ..................... It would drive you absolutely insane. Its only a 20" bar ... but gees there a lot of teeth to run a file over when your doing it every 10 minutes!

I did buy the cheapest bar and chain I could find ........... So I only have myself to blame :) It doesn't loose its edge at all if you just limb with it as your not going through that bark that is around the trunk

If I need to do much saw work in the future, I'll buy 2 quality chains ... and keep them sharp and ready for use. Its surprising how much grunt the ****ty worn out old chainsaw has if you give the chain a good sharpen.

seeya,
Shane l.

[donh54]

Use an axe to ringbark where you're going to cut.

[DoubleChevron]

Well after posting this .... I have given the chain another hand sharpen ................... And cut the rest of the trunk up without any problems. As soon as I got about 2metres along the trunk ... the bark wasn't a problem any longer. Amazing. Who would have thought ****ty soft pine could dull a chain almost instantly. The bark around the lower part of the tree must have been full of dirt and stones as suggested.

seeya
Shane L.

[Gordie]

I can cut pine all day and not have to resharpen....you either had stones in there, or sometimes wire has been known to be in a tree, where the tree grows around the wire. To cause sparks, you had something other than timber in there!

[BathurstTom]

I always use full chisel - especially on green wood. Semi chisel chain is crud.
I used to run a Sachs Dolmar 166 cutting good quality firewood (mostly white box) with full chisel with the rakes well maintained and it would sail through it.

Tom